Diwali, the festival of lights which is celebrated by Hindus all over India is also known as ‘Deepavali’. This festival is observed in India during the autumn season, between October and November. Apart from India, the countries of Myanmar, Fiji, Nepal, Guyana, Tobago and certain parts of Pakistan also observe this day as an official holiday. People share Diwali greetings with their loved ones on this pious day.
The Meaning of Diwali!
Diwali is a festival that is celebrated with a deeper meaning. Diwali is known as the festival of lights since it is the celebration of the triumph of light over darkness or good over evil. This festival is not just celebrated to have fun or worship Gods and Goddesses; rather this is one of the most cherished festivals because of the reason for which it is celebrated.
People share Diwali greetings and Diwali wishes with a hope that the person they are sharing it with is also being able to triumph over all the wrong deeds happening around. With this thought and prayer that everybody outshines in life, people celebrate Diwali with full vigour and appreciation.
Myths Related to Diwali
There are various ancient stories for which Diwali is very common and celebrated in all the religions. However, even if the celebration seems to be safe, the myths or stories due to which it is celebrated since centuries are different for different regions. Some of them have been discussed below –
For Hindus
For the Hindus or Hinduism in general, there are many beliefs and stories due to which, Diwali is celebrated with much pomp.
- The very first story or myth is the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, from 14 years of exile, where the three of them had to take up the immense Sita was abducted by the cruel King of Sri Lanka, Ravana and Ram saved his wife with the help of his brother Lakshmana, Hanuman and Bhibhishan. When they finally returned to their native place Ayodhya, every human of Ayodhya lit the streets with lamps and candles, along with the King’s castle and their own houses as well to make the win of Lord Rama and the defeat of the treacherous Raavana.
- Another reason for celebrating Diwali is the return of the Pandavas from 12 years of exile and a year of ‘Agyatavas’. For this reason, as well, the houses are lit up and Diwali is celebrated with perfect zest.
- Another reason should be the churning of the ocean of milk by the gods and the demons due to which, Goddess Lakshmi takes birth. This day is observed as the start of Diwali and then the 5-day celebration continues. Diwali is specifically observed on the day when Goddess Lakshmi agrees to marry Lord Vishnu and they tie their marital knot. This day, the streets light up for the celebration of their marriage coupled with a festive mood and appreciation for all.
These three myths are the reason for which Diwali is celebrated by the Hindus. Also, Hindus are the people who celebrate Diwali more than any other community. Hindus from every part of the world happen to send Happy Diwali quotes to their loved ones and receive Diwali greetings in return.
For Sikhs
The Sikhs have a different perspective towards Diwali. The Sikhs, or the people who follow Sikhism, observe Bandi Chhor Divas which is one of the most renowned celebrations among the Sikhs. This is observed because when the Mughal Emperor Jahangir captured the Hindu Kings and Guru Har Gobind, the Guru freed himself and some of the kings who were imprisoned in the Gwalior Fort. Their independence from Jahangir is also celebrated by lighting ‘diyas’ and candles. The Sikhs celebrate the Bandi Chhor Divas for this very reason which is like Diwali, but not Diwali to quite some extent.
For Buddhists
The people of Nepal who are Buddhists, also known as Newar celebrate Diwali just like the Hindus. These people celebrate Diwali for 5 days and worship Goddess Lakshmi mainly. They celebrate this festival to mark the independence that they had been granted by their leader and Lord, Buddha to worship any God or Goddess according to their choice for their satisfaction and worldly betterment. These people share Diwali quotes and Diwali wishes just like every other community.
For Jains
Jainism, the religion that considers their follower to be Mahavira, celebrates Diwali as a day of remembering their lord, Mahavira. According to certain ancient myths, Mahavira attained Nirvana on the very day of Diwali. Also, while he was attaining Nirvana, it is believed that other Gods and Goddesses kept the entire place lighted up. This is what the people who follow Jainism do In Diwali. They light up their houses, the streets and every dark corner visible with the naked eye. They celebrate Diwali as an auspicious day, remembering their mentor and leader, Mahavira, who attained Nirvana on this very occasion.
The Five Days of Diwali | Happy Diwali Essay
Though in many households, Diwali is just celebrated for two days, that is, the day of ‘chhoti Diwali’ and another of ‘main Diwali’, Diwali is five days. Historically speaking, people used to celebrate Diwali for 5 days and those 5 days are significantly different from each other.
- Day 1 – Day 1 is celebrated as Dhanteras. Dhanteras is the day when the people buy gold or silver jewellery so that evil cannot enter their homes due to the sparkle and glitter of the jewels. Also, on this very day, the churning of the ocean by the Gods on one side and demons on the other caused the emergence of Goddess Lakshmi from the middle of the ocean. This day marks the beginning of Diwali and every house gets decorated from this very day. Also, the members of the house make Rangoli for Diwali at their doorsteps and in the room where the Diwali worshipping is conducted.
- Day 2 – Day 2 is auspicious for every Hindu. On this day, it is believed that Lord Krishna defeated the Nakasura demon and eliminated evil from the world. That is why this day is observed by sending Diwali messages and Diwali quotes to each other. Some people opt for professional Rangoli designs, so they search for mesmerizing Rangoli designs for Diwali and make them make the house look brilliant. Also, this day is observed in South India more than any other part of India.
- Day 3 – This day marks the main day of the entire celebration. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped at every home along with another God, preferably Lord Ganesha, Lord Kuber or Goddess Saraswati. Some people worship all of them together. On this day, people wear bright clothes, make Rangoli for Diwali at their homes and wish each other with Happy Diwali quotes. This day is practically observed as Diwali and is celebrated worldwide. People visit their neighbours and gift sweets to their loved ones. Diwali parties are also arranged by some members of the community which everybody looks forward to attending.
- Day 4 – Padwa is celebrated on the 4th day of this 5-days celebration. On this occasion, the husband and wife spend some time together in each other’s company. This day is mainly observed to strengthen the beautiful relationship of a husband and wife. They shower each other with gifts and love. The husbands and wives who live away from their partners due to jobs share Diwali messages and Diwali greetings with each other. Due to the online shopping websites, they send thoughtful gifts to each other right on time to make the other one feel loved even without being physically present around them.
- Day 5 – Bhai Dooj is observed on the 5th day or the last day of Diwali. This day is exceptionally dedicated to the siblings and cousins who wait all year round to finally spend some quality time with their fellow siblings or cousins. While the Diwali decorations are still on, the brothers visit the sisters on this special day at her place and celebrate this pious occasion. The sisters pray for their brothers’ good health and prosperity. Then, the sisters put holy colours on the brothers’ foreheads to ensure protection and safety. After this, the younger of the two touch the elder one’s feet to take blessings. Then, the whole family joins in a sumptuous lunch which is mainly cooked by the sister in honour of her brother.
With the fifth day, Diwali concludes. But, the memories that one create remain along with happiness and peace.
Diwali & Social Media 
Diwali is very famous on social media platforms. People from all over the world send pictures along with Happy Diwali quotes and Diwali wishes to one another. Due to social media platforms, wishing people who live far away have become quite easier. Also, in Diwali, people share good Rangoli designs for Diwali with their friends through social media platforms. Then, they post their Rangoli for Diwali on their social media accounts and win compliments and phrases. Most importantly, the friend or family member who misses all the fun due to the job and other issues gets to enjoy them virtually by seeing the pictures and videos on social media accounts of their loved ones.
With the help of the social networking sites, people even get to know the dates of the Flipkart Diwali offers, Snapdeal Diwali offers or the Amazon Diwali sale. These offers make their shopping worth it.
Decoration in Diwali
In Diwali, the entire house is decorated with lights and ‘diyas’. The decorations start from Day 1 itself when the family members gather around to decorate the interior and the exterior of the house. Little lights are put on the exterior along with lamps. The interior is brightly decorated as well. People gather Diwali decoration ideas from all parts and apply them to their house. These Diwali decoration ideas are mostly simple DIY ideas which also gather immense praises and compliments from visitors.
Diwali and Children
Certain programmes are conducted for the children and they are made to participate in fancy dress events, singing events and dancing events as well. The enthusiastic parents also try to teach their children about the importance of Diwali different essays on Diwali in Hindi. These essays on Diwali in Hindi help the children understand Diwali in the deeper sense of the term. Also, these essays are common on the internet.
Diwali information in Hindi can also be gathered from the internet so that the children understand Diwali and its origins in a better way. This Diwali information in Hindi make the children more interested in this event and its significance.
Diwali and Online Websites 
People nowadays, mostly shop from online websites due to the brilliant offers they provide their customers with. The Flipkart Diwali offers or the Snapdeal Diwali offers to make every customer buy great things at cheaper rates.
The Amazon Diwali offers and the Amazon Diwali sale also helps the customers buy their desired products at good rates. All these offers work for 4 to 5 days during Diwali.
With the help of loved ones, Diwali is celebrated by every individual with pomp and vigour every year. People conclude this festival with happy thoughts and bright memories.